The camera sweeps over three beautiful women dressed in kimono, each holding a traditional Japanese instrument. The first tones of the koto (Japanese harp) and the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) can be heard, and you’re about to be swept away into a stunning cover of... Michael Jackson’s 'Smooth Criminal'. That’s right, professional shakuhachi player Yoshimi Tsujimoto teamed up with koto players Yuko Watanabe (on the 17-string koto here) and Erina Ito (regular koto) to create this amazing version of a classic. Originally broadcasted in February as part of NHK World’s 'Blends' show, it's been gathering some worldwide attention online in recent months.
Although the three are not regular partners in instruments, Yoshimi Tsujimoto and Erina Ito actually used to play together as the duo 523 Koibumi, which they formed in university. They seem to have taken a break for a bit, with their last published concert having been back in 2014, but we're hoping the popularity of their 'Smooth Criminal' cover inspires them to pick up where they left off.
– By Kirsty Bouwers